St Mary’s Church engaged a local artist to create three pieces of art containing images and words inspired by the stories shared by the local community.

Enabled by Westhill Endowment’s generous support the art work captures the spirit of Temple Balsall with its relationships and connections. Haiku poems were written encouraged by the developing triptych.  This project aims to uplift the community by participating in something beautiful and long lasting which offers a sense of ownership through personal and collaborative investment. An educational and spiritual resource for all to appreciate.
  
To commemorate a special 350 Year Anniversary in the life of The Foundation of Lady Katherine Leveson, we launched an exciting project facilitated by St Mary’s Church. The church was and still is the beating heart of The Foundation through worship, education and Christian witness.
 
We invited the local community to share their experiences of life in Temple Balsall engaging with artist, Helen Woodcock. There were historic tales of the Knights Templar, and personal stories shared from across the decades including time spent at the primary school or in the care home. Life events celebrated with joy at family baptisms and weddings and in times of loss, the community has drawn close in support and love attending funerals and memorial services. Friends and neighbours began to articulate why this place is special, has meaning and makes people feel that they belong.
 
Helen took away numerous words and pictures, collected sketches and photographs all capturing why Temple Balsall is important to so many people from our local and wider community.
 
Events throughout the year continued to be invitational and creative taking inspiration from the developing art work, making bunting, writing poetry and forging friendships from gathering together.
 
The triptych art work will offer something significant within the church space for personal reflection and meditation. A resource that not only expresses our shared life in community with respect and compassion but also our hopes for the future in creating lasting links and conserving this small part of God’s acre.